Alabama Football Lands 6th Commitment for 2014 Class

In a time of the year that is usually quiet, linebacker Zach Whiteley surprised plenty of recruiting analyst by announcing his commitment to the University of Alabama Friday. The linebacker from Glena Park, Texas is Alabama’s 6th commitment for 2014.

While the commitment came as a surprise it was a welcome one as the four star prospect is considered to be one of the best in the country. A consensus four-star prospect, Whitely also held offers from Notre Dame, Oklahoma, TCU, Texas, and Texas A&M.

At 6-foot-2, 220lb’s, his high school coach David Aymond told Sam Khan Jr. of ESPN’s recruiting nation that “He’s exactly what you look for in a linebacker.” Aymnd also added that “That's what you look for in a traditional linebacker -- dirty, grimy, physical and hard-working -- and that's what Zach is about. He works hard in the weight room and has good speed and quickness on the field."

Whitely joins Bo Scarbrough, Kalvaraz Bessent, Shaun Dion Hamilton, Chris Williams and Stephen Roberts as part of the 2014 class. ESPN has given a four star grade to every prospect but Roberts.